🏏 Sat, 6 Sep 2025 21:00 CDT
Mexico
vs
Japan
4-2-3-1 vs 3-4-2-1
Substitutes
Substitutes
Match Preview
- Japan play a friendly against Mexico in the United States. Manager Moriyasu tries out a 3-4-2-1 formation with a best lineup of Takefusa Kubo, Kaoru Mitoma, Takumi Minamino and Ayase Ueda.
- Among the attackers, the focus is on Ayase Ueda at centre-forward, with the golden pairing of Takefusa Kubo and Takumi Minamino in the second line. Hopes are pinned on the link-up between the two, who play for Real Sociedad and Monaco.
- At wing-back are Kaoru Mitoma and Ritsu Doan. Brighton's Mitoma and PSV's Doan add weight to the attack from both flanks in an attacking setup.
- In the centre of the back three is Ko Watanabe. Drawing on his experience at Feyenoord, his aerial battles with a Mexico attack featuring Raul Jimenez will be a highlight.
- Mexico play a 4-2-3-1 with Wolverhampton's Jimenez as the lone striker. The duel between the veteran forward with abundant international experience and Japan's defence is one to watch.
- In midfield, the pairing of Wataru Endo and Daichi Kamada builds the play. The key is whether Kamada's creativity in particular can break down Mexico's solid defence.
- Zion Suzuki starts in goal on his first national-team start. Attention turns to the reaction speed and saves the 22-year-old Stuttgart player shows on the international stage.